Are We Assaulting Our Roads?

Comments (0)

Transcript of Are We Assaulting Our Roads?

Are We Assaulting Our Roads? From the Perspective of the Home Owner Studies have shown that road salt can reduce traffic accidents by up to 85% during a snow storm.Graphs have shown that Yukon onaverage had the most accidents in 2000-2004. The use of Road salt started in the 1940's. In 1995-2001 was called the Assessment of Environmental Effects of Road Salts.In 2001 a report was released stating the importance of keeping our roads clear and safe for pedestrians and drivers.On average Toronto receives 130 cm of snow every year.

Impact on aquatic Ecosystems The road salts run off into water systems leading to many deaths of animals in fresh water ecosystems.

Plankton and invertebrates are highly effected by roads salts. Improving Traction on Road Sand is a cheap alternative that creates traction and can be washed off easily.

Ashes have been suggested to replace road salt.

A new product called Eco-Traction is eco friendly and safe for children, pets and wildlife. The city council creates a budget for salt based on weather predictions for the year.Using salt is a cheap, easy and efficient way to clear roads.Highways can become clogged with ice and snow creating problems for everyone.It costs about $1500- $2000 to salt a main or primary road. It is about $1000 for secondary roads. Damage to Vegetation and Environment Road salt can lead into water ways. (Lakes, ponds aquifers etc.)

The salt that leads into fresh water effects wildlife, pets and children.

These salts also damage crops and soil.

Road salts can contaminate our water. Removing Snow Removing snow would lead to less use of salt.

In some parts of Toronto snow plows go over sidewalks in addition to the roads.

Removing snow would make traveling on roads and sidewalks easier.

The roads would be left in better conditions. Current Policies on Icing Roads in Toronto Statistics on Injuries and Road Accidents The History of Salting Roads Finances Annually 130-150 thousand tonnes of salt is dumped onto the roads of Toronto.If someone slips outside of your property they can potentially sue you for neglecting salting obligations.Salt Management Plan is being put in action.As homeowners salt helps in our benefit. Alternatives to Road Salt One of the alternatives being used is called Brine, a mixture of salt and water.Sand is often used but does not melt snow or ice.Like sand, kitty litter is used for traction.New products such as Eco-Traction are becoming more well known. The Effect of SpringThaw on Salted Snow Even after the snow is gone the roads are later effected.